US3698394A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrically heated hypodermic needle
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-06-14
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Granted: 1972-10-17
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Expires: 1991-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A surgical instrument is provided in the form of a hypodermic needle, the tip of the needle being heated by passing an electric current through a resistance wire within the needle adjacent its tip. The needle has particular utility for medical purposes, and is used, for example, to destroy blood vessels or tissue.
Inventors
- 👤 William S Piper
- 👤 Teodor Polak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:10
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/08; A61B18/082
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A surgical instrument comprising: a hollow hypodermic needle having a pointed tip and composed of electrically conductive material; an elongated electrical conductor extending in coaxial relationship within said needle; electrically insulating means interposed between said conductor and said needle for insulating said conductor from said needle; an electrical resistance element mounted within said needle; and means electrically connecting said resistance element to said needle and to said conductor, so that electric current passed through said needle and through said conductor passes through said electrical resistance element to heat a portion of said needle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A surgical instrument comprising: a hollow hypodermic needle having a pointed tip and composed of electrically conductive material; an elongated electrical conductor extending in coaxial relationship within said needle; electrically insulating means interposed between said conductor and said needle for insulating said conductor from said needle; an electrical resistance element mounted within said needle; and means electrically connecting said resistance element to said needle and to said conductor, so that electric current passed through said needle and through said conductor passes through said electrical resistance element to heat a portion of said needle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The surgical instrument defined in claim 1, in which said resistance element is in the form of a wire positioned in axial alignment with said conductor adjacent the tip of said needle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical instrument defined in claim 1, in which said needle is composed of surgical steel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical instrument defined in claim 1, in which said elongated electrical conductor comprises a copper wire.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surgical instrument defined in claim 1, in which said electrical resistance element has an elongated configuration and is disposed within said needle in axial alignment with said conductor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical instrument defined in claim 1, in which said resistance metal is composed of a nickel chrome alloy.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The surgical instrument defined in claim 1, in which said elongated electrical conductor comprises a high resistance wire coated with a low resistance metal except for that portion of the needle where heat is desired.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-17 | 1976-04-17 | 1976-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-17 | 1980-04-17 | 1980-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-17 | 1984-04-17 | 1984-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |